MEPS & MEES

Across the UK, legislation (MEPS) has been passed which will restrict property transactions involving properties with a poor energy rating. The legislation varies across the UK. It will initially only affect those properties with the worst ratings. However, the minimum standards will increase over the coming years. The legislation will be used to enforce capital investment in energy efficiency.

Please note there both MEPS and MEES refers to the same regulations however there seems to be some confusion regarding the correct term as both are being used widely

Did You Know?

England and Wales – From April 2018 it will be unlawful to grant a new lease or renew a lease on a property with an EPC rating worse than ‘E’.
Please contact us for further information.

Northern Ireland

Whilst there are currently no regulations in place the draft Climate Change Bill and the Northern Ireland Executive’s Program for Government contains a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 35% by 2025 compared to 1990 levels. As a result, there are no current proposals for MEES on sales or lettings. However as commercial valuations in Northern Ireland have started to take Energy Ratings into consideration in those properties with a rating worse than ‘E’ it’s important for landlords and investors to take note and consider their portfolio.

Scotland – Section 63

The regulations in Scotland, which become law in September 2016, apply to Non Domestic properties only and only those properties with a floor area greater than 1000m2. However, in contrast to England and Wales the regulations apply to both sales and lettings (to a new tenant not a renewal). These properties are required to have an energy efficiency standards equivalent to those introduced in the 2002 building regulations. Please contact us for further information.

How We Can Help?

At 360 Energy we are well positioned to ease the pain of the new regulations. We offer a full range of services from advice on individual properties through to portfolio MEPS management or any of the stages in between.

Please note that in order to provide accurate comments on ratings and a guarantee potential ratings we must first carry out an EPC assessment and model the property.

Portfolio MEPS management

Collate EPCs

Survey properties with ratings worse than ‘E’ and those without EPCs and create ‘draft’ EPC

Undertake those works and issue EPC. Works/ improvements in the majority of cases will involve further testing of air leakage/ ductwork leakage/ plant efficiency or introduction of LED lamps only

EPC Irregularities

The issue of EPC irregularities has largely been ignored until now as the rating has held little value. EPCs for existing buildings vary greatly from those for new buildings as the vast majority of the information is assumed or estimated. EPCs are regularly (and randomly) audited by accreditation bodies who require evidence for ALL inputs. Therefore if for example, information such as ductwork leakage is unavailable (which is the case in 99% of buildings) we are required to use a default value which increases the rating. The cumulative effect of several default values has a considerable effect on the rating. Our range of testing services and ability to make repairs coupled with LED lighting services means that the majority of affected properties will require no fabric improvements.

It’s worth noting that the auditing process is stringent and once failed the accreditation bodies require the EPC to be reissued with a new rating as they interpret the information.

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About Us

We provide solutions in relation to all aspects of building energy. Our goal is to stay on top of upcoming regulations and incentives allowing us to advise our clients and future proof their decisions.